The Team
Who We Are
Andrijana Cvetkovikj
Founder & CEO
Dr. Andrijana Cvetkovikj is a distinguished diplomat, business consultant, and expert in media and public relations. She served as the first Ambassador of Macedonia to Japan and has built a notable career in both diplomacy and business consulting.
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Andrijana Cvetkovikj possesses over 22 years of experience in Japan, with a diverse background encompassing business leadership, diplomacy, entrepreneurship, and innovation, all firmly grounded in her dedication to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Her academic qualifications include a Ph.D. in Cinema and Media Studies, an Executive MBA from the Fox School of Business, and an Honorary Doctorate from the European University.
Presently, Andrijana fulfils the role of Special Advisor for International Cooperation to the Commissioner of Culture and the Cultural Agency of Japan (Bunkacho), a testament to her ongoing commitment to facilitating cultural exchange. She is proficient in five languages and boasts a career spanning over three decades on the international stage.
In addition to her diplomatic and cultural endeavours Cvetkovikj was an Executive Committee Member of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan and Chair of the Government Relations Committee for two years, where she guided the strategic direction and advocacy efforts for the chamber and its members. Furthermore, sat on the board of a listed Japanese corporation (Del Sole) and actively advocated for diversity, inclusion, and gender equality.
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Additionally, Dr. Cvetkovikj is known for her strategic vision of connecting Japan with other global markets and her work on raising human consciousness through leadership and education.
Her work spans across various industries, including film, business consulting, and international relations, making her an influential figure in both the diplomatic and corporate worlds.
Jason P. Hyland
VP-Chief Strategic Officer, Board Director
Jason P. Hyland's extensive career in both the public and private sectors makes him a pivotal figure in U.S.-Japan relations and international business strategy. He served for over three decades as a U.S. diplomat, where his key roles included acting as deputy to Ambassador Caroline Kennedy and eventually serving as the acting U.S. Ambassador to Japan.
His deep expertise in diplomacy allowed him to play a significant role in enhancing bilateral relations between the U.S. and Japan.
After retiring from the Foreign Service in 2017, Hyland transitioned to the corporate world, where he became the President of MGM Resorts Japan. In this role, he spearheaded MGM’s efforts to enter Japan’s integrated resort market, which involves building and managing large-scale resort complexes with casinos, hotels, and other amenities. His leadership during this time was crucial for MGM’s expansion plans in Japan, a market with significant potential in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Post-MGM, Hyland worked with McKinsey & Co. as an advisor, leveraging his extensive experience in strategy and business development. His knowledge in navigating complex international markets and his experience in high-level negotiations have positioned him as an expert in both government relations and business strategy.
Currently, as the Chief Strategic Officer and Board Director at BrioNexus, Hyland brings his diplomatic expertise and business acumen to the company’s consulting services. BrioNexus focuses on high-tech industries like semiconductors, quantum technologies, and AI, and it also promotes Japanese culture and arts through its innovative ventures like AiNoiE, an executive retreat in Izu Kogen. His role at BrioNexus involves shaping strategic direction and guiding the company’s focus on government relations, technology, and cultural integration.
His diverse career path and strategic leadership have solidified his reputation as a key player in fostering cross-cultural business relationships and high-level strategic partnerships.
Bruce Stronach
Senior Advisor
Dr. Bruce Stronach brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to BrioNexus as a senior consultant, specializing in fostering cross-cultural relations, academic collaborations, and leadership in international education. With over 30 years of experience in both American and Japanese higher education institutions, Dr. Stronach’s expertise in bridging Eastern and Western cultures aligns seamlessly with BrioNexus’s mission to promote global partnerships and integrate cutting-edge solutions.
Throughout his career, Dr. Stronach has held prestigious roles, including serving as the President of Yokohama City University and the Dean of Temple University Japan (TUJ) for over a decade. His leadership at TUJ led to significant milestones, such as the relocation of the university to Sangenjaya and the development of key academic partnerships with Japanese universities, reinforcing the institution’s role as a bridge between Japan and the U.S.
Currently, as the President of Showa Boston Institute, Dr. Stronach continues to facilitate meaningful cultural exchanges between Japanese students and American communities. His ability to understand both Japanese and Western educational and business practices makes him an invaluable asset to BrioNexus’s clients seeking to navigate cross-cultural environments, particularly in sectors that require an intricate understanding of both regions.
His academic work, including his research on nationalism in Japan and his publications on Japanese political culture, underscores his deep understanding of Japanese society and governance. This makes Dr. Stronach uniquely qualified to advise companies and organizations aiming to deepen their ties with Japan, whether through educational programs, strategic partnerships, or government relations.
In his role at BrioNexus, Dr. Stronach provides consulting on global leadership development, cross-cultural communications, and education strategies, leveraging his vast network and insights to help businesses succeed in an increasingly interconnected world
